12 Easy Ways to Save Money Right After High School

If you want to make the most of living with family or friends, use these ten simple tips to stop wasting cash and build up a huge savings account.

• Save Extra Money on Your Taxes: Ask the payroll person at your job to take an extra $20, $50, or $100 out of every paycheck for taxes. You won't miss this small amount of cash every two weeks. Plus, it guarantees you will get a big tax refund check at the end of the year instead of owing money.
• Learn to Cook Simple, Healthy Meals: Learn how to make basic meals at home and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. These healthy options are cheap to buy, and they will keep you feeling full for a lot longer than junk food.
• Use Local Food Banks: Check the schedules for food banks in your area. If money ever gets tight, or if you just want to help out the person you are living with, you can pick up free groceries and bring them home to stock the kitchen.
• Learn How to Do Your Own Taxes: Take the time to figure out how to file your taxes. Doing this will teach you how the money system works. It also lets you see exactly how other people are making and saving their cash.
• Never Buy Expensive Clothes at Full Price: Wait for big sales like New Year clearances or off-season discounts to buy new clothes. Bring a friend who loves to shop and knows how to spot good deals. Give them a strict budget for you both to stick to.
• Drop Your Monthly Subscriptions: Cancel your paid streaming and music services. Get a free public library card instead. Most libraries give you free access to online streaming apps like Kanopy or Hoopla. If you really need a subscription, pick just one.
• Stick to One Gaming System: Stick to just one console or a PC for your video games. Look around at different physical stores and online shops to compare prices. Only buy new games when they go on a deep discount or sale.
• Stay Away from Partying and Clubbing: Do not get caught up spending your cash at clubs and bars. Going out all the time is an easy way to waste money. Your older self will be very upset if you blow all your cash on a few nights out now.
• Take Care of Your Health: Keep your body healthy by eating right and staying safe. Getting sick or injured is incredibly expensive. Medical bills can quickly wipe out your savings and make it hard to keep a job.
• Stay Close with Your Analytical Friends: Keep in touch with the smart "nerds and geeks" from high school. They usually have cheap, fun hobbies. They are also great people to ask for help when you are trying to figure out your next steps in life.
• Keeping Everything Local: Your hobbies, your job, your travels, if you can used the bus. If you have a car try not to drive too far.
• Maintenance is Cheap: if you get a car maintain it. If you get clothes maintain them. Maintain your body. Maintain your friendships. As you get older getting new things become more and more expensive so make purchases that last a long time.